Berlin Cures, one of Ascenion’s portfolio companies, has announced positive Phase I results for its lead candidate BC007 for the treatment of heart failure. 68 subjects were evaluated in the clinical study. The candidate was very well tolerated and a single dose was able to completely and sustainably eliminate autoantibodies targeting the beta-1 adrenoceptor. These autoantibodies are present in the majority of heart failure patients and play a crucial role in the development of the disease.
The results confirm the potential of Berlin Cures’ innovative therapeutic concept, which represents the first causal treatment approach to heart failure. The specific elimination of autoantibodies could provide a compelling alternative to expensive and stressful dialysis or cardiac assist devices.
Berlin Cures plans to start a Phase II clinical study of BC007 in the second quarter of 2018.
Further information: Berlin Cures’ press release